South Africa v Sri Lanka - 3rd Test, Day 1 - 5 Talking points

#4 Faf du Plessis springs a surprise by batting first

Elgar opened the batting with Stephen Cook

One thing that back-to-back series wins does for a team is bring in confidence. du Plessis showed how confident the Proteas were, despite the recent Kolpak signings, by choosing to bat first on a green pitch with overcast skies.

The conditions were most suitable for bowling first and with four terrific quick bowlers at his disposal, du Plessis had no reason to bat first. But he did. And his men responded in tremendous fashion.

If Elgar and Cook saw off the new ball threat efficiently, Duminy continued to show how fanciful he can be when on song, with some exquisite shots. Amla, on the other hand, remained calm to notch up a must needed hundred.